Beginning last month, thousands of Valley Hockey League players began their quest for a championship title. The 2014 VHL Championships were a culmination of a fun and exciting season that began nearly eight months ago.

During that time, teams competed valiantly and parity was maintained in order to provide the most competitive experience for all.

At the end of the championship run, the tally was taken and a total of 156 medals were given out to a total of 67 VHL programs.

Leading the overall medal charge was Natick with seven medals (two golds and five silvers). It was an impressive performance by the 15 Natick teams. This year’s total medal count was four more than they earned in 2013.

One of the program highlights was no doubt delivered by the Natick Squirt - "A1" team which captured the top spot in the Squirt Central National – AA Division. The seventh-seeded team entering the Championships, the Comet squad not only captured its divisional title but it went on to win the Squirt "AA" overall championship against Newton Squirt AA2 by a score of 3-1.

Just two medals behind Natick were three programs – Malden/East Boston, Winchester and Nashoba. Nine VHL programs finished with four medals.

In the gold-medal hunt, Reading posted a 4-0 record in championship games to finish with a league-best four gold medals. Six programs – Malden/East Boston, Winchester, Haverhill, Lexington/Bedford, Framingham and Jr. Sharks – claimed three gold medals. Brookline, meanwhile, was the only other VHL team besides Natick to post four silver medals.

Photos from VHL Championship games continue to be posted online (click here to view a gallery of images), but teams are encouraged to send us those photos. All you have to do is "friend" us on Facebook and then tag Valley League in your photo. Be sure to mark the post status to public so that we can share your photos with the rest of the league.